Myrrh has been widely known as an effective natural antiseptic agent. It is a mixture of volatile oil, gum and resin which originated in Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a host of ailments. Myrrh can be found in the contemporary market in commercial mouthwashes, soaps, and cosmetics.
Myrrh is a bitter, pungent herb known for its stimulating effect on the senses. Often it is used to rejuvenate and invigorate tired bodies and minds. It has been used to treat cuts, scrapes, and other minor skin wounds and irritations because of it's effectiveness as a fighter of infection. Myrrh increases circulation, supports the immune system, and acts as a respiratory decongestant. Not only does myrrh lessen the chance of infection and speed healing, it also prevents and alleviates fungal infection. One application of this healing herb is in cases of nail fungus.
Fungus of the nail is first shown by a lackluster or unhealthy appearance of the fingernails. As the fungus spreads, the dull color turns to yellow and the nail may lose its natural shape and become thick and distorted. This distortion accentuates as the edges of the nail become excessively brittle and may crumble away.
If the nail fungus is allowed to grow unchecked, eventually the nail may turn dark yellow, green, brown, or black. Additionally, an unpleasant odor may be present and the entire fingernail may become detached from the skin and fall off. These latter stages of nail fungus can be extremely unsightly and painful. While there are many prescription medications that can be used to fight nail fungus, they can often be very costly and have adverse side effects. Using an herbal treatment is a great alternative with fewer side effects.
Myrrh can make a substantial difference in the overall health of skin and nails that are infected with fungus. A tincture made from myrrh can be an effective against nail fungus. Rubbing the infected area of the foot with myrrh will help to reduce the fungus that has attacked the nail. It also has a slight anesthetizing effect, which serves to relieve the pain that often accompanies the condition. Please note that it is wise to maintain clean skin by gently cleansing the skin twice daily with a mild soap, especially prior to a myrrh treatment. It is always recommended that the infected skin be thoroughly dried after cleansing to discourage new fungal growth.
There are no known adverse side effects associated with myrrh. Although myrrh is much gentler than many pharmaceutical treatments for nail fungus, it has been known to irritate sensitive skin, especially around the eyes and vaginal area. Before using this product it is wise to do an allergy test by swabbing some of the myrrh on the inner arm. If the skin becomes red, swollen, or itchy, do not use on other parts of the body.
When using myrrh or any other treatment for your nail fungus, the success of the treatment depends on your willingness to faithfully treat the nail every day and to continue your chosen course of therapy for the recommended amount of time. Unfortunately, because the cure for nail fungus can take up 3-6 months, many people choose to live with it until it becomes too severe, rather than take measures to combat it. The treatment must continue until the infected portion of the nail has completely grown out. While there are many products that have anti-fungal properties Fungal Research, LLC, only recommends the best, most effective products for rapid response and long-term results.
Once the nail is completely healthy, it is vital to take steps to ensure that the fungus does not return. Keeping nails clean and trimmed is important because fungus can make a home under the nail. When your hands are exposed to water for prolonged periods of time, use rubber gloves and make sure to give the gloves ample time to dry inside out after use. Never pick at hangnails or other skin around the nails as germs can more easily find a way into your nails if you do.
If you typically have your nails done at a salon, be sure that it is a reputable one that understands the importance of sterilizing all manicure equipment. It also may be necessary to discontinue using nail polish or artificial nails as they can trap moisture under the polish and encourage the growth of fungus. It is also important to keep the hands clean, especially after contacting fungus that may reside on other fingernails or toenails because of the contagious nature of the fungus. Additionally, maintaining a healthy immune system is a key to fighting any fungal infections to which you may be exposed.
About the author:
Dr. Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C. is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Registered Dietitian and Independent Research Scientist. He has over 15 years of educational and research experience in health care focusing in clinical nutrition, alternative medicine, chiropractic, fitness, health and wellness. Dr. Group is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Fungus Research, L.L.C. and heads the research and development team dedicated to producing advanced, new anti-fungal and anti-microbial products. http://www.nail-fungus-toenail.com
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